England change five for Italy

England coach Stuart Lancaster had made five changes to his starting XV to face Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster had made five changes to his starting XV to face Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.

Mako Vunipola will make his first start for England. The Saracens prop, who has won seven caps off the bench, replaces Joe Marler in one of five changes from the side that started against France.

Danny Care and Toby Flood take over at halfback from Ben Youngs and Owen Farrell respectively; Tom Youngs comes in for Dylan Hartley; and James Haskell is named at blindside flanker in place of Courtney Lawes.

Tom Croft of Leicester Tigers is back in the England matchday squad for the first time in 12 months following his recovery from a neck injury, while Freddie Burns joins him among the replacements as Farrell needs more time to return to full fitness.

"We were very happy with the way we finished the France game. The impact the replacements made shows that we have competition for places across the board and we have had to make some tight calls," said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

"Italy will be highly motivated for this game and we will have to perform for the full 80 minutes. I am sure those starting will seize their chance and the bench will also have a significant part to play as the game goes on.

"The support at Twickenham for the Scotland and France games was superb and I am sure the atmosphere will be fantastic again for our final home match of the Championship."